Residents of Ext 18 residents in eMbalenhle decided to unblock their sewer network after the Govan Mbeki Municipality failed to do it.
These residents said they took this initiative because they are tired of living with sewage in their houses and yards.
Residents claimed that it has been five months since they reported the spills to the municipality, but all they got, were promises.
“We as the residents decided to donate money and hire people who know about sewers or plumbers to unblock our manhole since we have a failing municipality,” said a resident.
“We realised that our municipality doesn’t have skilled people to do the job because we reported our problem, but they just came, saw and left.
“That shows us they are incapable, so we rather get skilled people to do their work.
“Our municipality has all the resources but is failing to assist us. We are warning them that next time they will be forced to pay those people we hire to do their work,” said a resident.
When the community inquired about the new suck truck that was bought by the municipality to fight sewage spills, they were told it was busy elsewhere.
Poppy Mokoena (56), who is wheelchair-bound, was rescued from her house by neighbours because she was allegedly ill from the sewage in her house.
Mokoena said she fell on the floor that was wet from sewage, and she was then rushed to the hospital.
“I have reported the sewage that overflows from my toilet seat into my house.
“The stench of sewage is all over my house and currently I am staying with my neighbours until it clears. I am in ill health.
“Right now, I cannot use my toilet and bath, because I am scared that it will either worsen the problem or I will have sewer water in the bath,” said Mokoena.
The acting head of communication for the municipality, Lucky Mhlongo said the eMbalenhle sewer network has collapsed because of cable theft and vandalism.
Mhlongo said on Sunday, June 5, the disturbing incident of vandalism at the eMbalenhle Waste Water Treatment Works where cables were stolen, was reported to the municipality.
“This vandalism has a dire impact, as all pump stations were stopped from working at eMbalenhle and we are experiencing an increase in sewage spill complaints due to the non-flowing of sewage to the outfall lines.
“Vandalism and theft of infrastructure equipment creates a strain and also deprives the community of their rights to quality and consistent service delivery.
“The municipality is evaluating a number of possible solutions to the problem and the community is also urged to assist in identifying culprits,” said Mhlongo.
Mhlongo also said the case of vandalism and theft was opened at the eMbalenhle police station and also the municipality is waiting for a report from the security company that is securing the property on what happened.
